The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2001

When criminal injuries occur there is often no one to claim against in the way you would for a personal injury. In response to this dilemma, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2001 is the most recent incarnation of a government initiative to compensate those injured by crime. Administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, which was formed in 1964, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme can award up to £500,000 as recompense for your injuries. If you have sustained an injury as the result of being the innocent victim of a crime, we suggest you contact one of our advisors at Accident Advice Helpline.

How does the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme work?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is built around a tariff system. Your injuries are measured against this tariff to determine a fair level of compensation, which ranges from £1,000 to £500,000. Compensation is awarded for any type of injury, whether physical or emotional; the only requirement is that it is severe enough to warrant a minimum of £1,000 in compensation.

When evaluating your claim, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority will consider factors beyond your immediate injuries, which will either raise or lower the payment you receive. They include loss of earnings, on-going treatment costs and special adaptations required for your home or vehicle. Your co-operation with the police during their investigations into the incident and any prior criminal convictions may also affect your final pay-out. Finally, any government benefits or NHS care you receive will be deducted from your compensation to avoid duplication of payment.

If you have received an injury as the innocent victim of a violent crime, suffered abuse or witnessed a crime, one of Accident Advice Helpline’s friendly advisors can help you begin your claim today. With our 30-second test™ we can quickly evaluate your claim and put you in touch with a specialist solicitor who will do everything possible to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What do I need to claim?

In order to make a successful claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme the first step is to ensure the crime was reported to the police; if not, you cannot make a claim. It does not matter if there has been a conviction, as long as the crime has been reported you are eligible to claim.

Secondly, the crime in question must have taken place within the past two years, in England, Scotland or Wales. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2001 does not cover crimes committed elsewhere in the world, though many other countries do operate similar schemes. The only exception to the two-year time limit is for child abuse claims, as the trauma caused can understandably leave you unable to report the crime for many years.

If you meet these conditions the claims process is quite stress free; in fact most cases are settled out of court. Whether you suffered at the hands of a loved one, a stranger or simply witnessed a crime, the physical and emotional impact can be life changing. By applying to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority you can soften the blow and get your life back together.

A quick call to Accident Advice Helpline could be all it takes to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

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